A Critique of Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Policies in Canadian Universities

Abstract

The title of a “university” in Canada is protected under federal regulation, with the intent that institutions housing scholars of autonomous and critical thought need to maintain a particular standard of quality. As Canada has become increasingly multicultural, so have its universities – but their demographic representation (or lack thereof) creates a need for diversity, inclusion and equity policies to be evaluated. This paper assesses how institutionalized policies are weakened by focussing on proposed policy objectives, rather than potential long term impact. After establishing basic definitions to this argument, two main ideas are explored: the importance of disrupting pre-existing assumptions about diversity, inclusion and equity policies, and methods to substantively remedy the unequal power relations these policies can reinforce.